NCAA Basketball: Top 25 breakout junior players for 2020-21 season

 25. AJ Lawson – South Carolina Gamecocks

2019-20 stats: 13.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg

The leading scorer for the Gamecocks returns, with a ton of responsibility to produce even more in 2020-21. Big man Maik Kotsar is gone, as well is guard Jair Bolden. Jermaine Cousinard is the lone returning player with a clear ability to produce in double figures os it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Lawson scorers 18+ ppg. That might be what’s needed in order to have South Carolina at least on the bubble.

24. Nathan Mensah – San Diego State Aztecs

2019-20 stats: 6.9 ppg and 6.8 rpg in 13 games

Health issues took Mensah out after the non-conference but the Aztecs were nearly unbeatable with the 6’10 center holding down the fort. With Yanni Wetzel graduated and Joel Mensah transferred out, the frontcourt for San Diego State is now just Mensha and Maryland transfer forward Joshua Tomaić. Don’t be surprised if this big man averages a double-double next season.

23. Sincere Carry – Duquesne Dukes

2019-20 stats: 12.2 ppg and 5.3 apg

The 6’1 point guard has been great out the gate as the lead facilitator, averaging over five assists a game each season. This upcoming season, don’t be surprised if he becomes more of a high-volume scorer on a consistent basis. He had four games of at least 20+ points and along with Marcus Weathers, is one of a few players for Duquesne that can create his own shot. The Dukes are looking for a top-4 finish and will have to ride on Carry producing even more to do so.